4 Players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) should target in IPL 2022 Mega Auction: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have always been a side studded with big cricket stars. Having owned by one of Bollywood’s biggest actors, Shahrukh Khan, the Knight Riders has been surrounded by big match players. However, the recent IPL season has been a bit unusual for them.
The two times IPL winners, KKR, lost five crucial matches upfront after playing seven. The franchise was on a complete backfoot in phase one of the IPL 2021. Everyone was wondering what should have gone wrong with the team and that was the time when covid emerged in several franchises camps and the league was abruptly suspended by the BCCI.
After five big losses in the first seven matches, KKR was completely out of its track. It tried out every possible thing and nothing seemed to work for them. The forced covid break, however, turned their fortunes. It was the blessing in disguise for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who traced back to its planning days.
In the second phase of the IPL 2021 in the UAE, KKR appeared with one change at the top order as left-handed batsman Venkatesh Iyer was asked to open the innings alongside Shubman Gill.
The turn in the fortunes started when Iyer and Gill opened together and more often than not both of them stitched a solid opening partnership. The five losses in seven encounters seemed nothing in front of a determined KKR squad.
They bounced back and went on to play the final against Chennai Super Kings, which they unfortunately lost. However, the comeback KKR inked was surely one for several years.
Ahead of the next season of the IPL, Kolkata knight Riders (KKR) have retained Andre Russell, Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine and Vanketesh Iyer for the IPL 2022. Though these players will form the core of the team, the rest of the other players will be filled after the mega auction IPL 2022.
This article will take you through, top 4 Players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) should target in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
4 Players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) should target in IPL 2022 Mega Auction:
Rahul Tripathi:
Remember I said, the recent IPL season was unusual for the KKR? It was mainly because the high profile players for the team flopped and the youngsters took the onus on themselves to take the side over the line. Rahul Tripathi was one of the vital cogs in KKR’s late blitz in the IPL 2021.
Rahul Tripathi scored 397 runs in 17 innings of the IPl 2021. Most of his runs came at the backend of the tournament which is phase 2 in the UAE. Though his contributions may not seem hefty, but he did ensure to provide a good resistance to the opposition.
The franchise missed Tripathi’s valuable contributions in the final, as he was injured and couldn’t come at his usual position. Though he came to bat, but it was too late for anyone to turn the tables.
Kolkata will definitely not want to miss out on any player who has provided valuable contributions for the team in dire times.
ALSO READ: IPL 2022 Franchises Retained Players, Mega Auction Details, Team Salary Purse
Nitish Rana:
Another player would be left-handed batsman Nitish Rana. KKR bagged Rana’s services during IPL 2018 and since then Nitish Rana has played a crucial role in the team.
He has played in every season and has scored over 300 runs in all the IPL seasons. In the IPL 2021, Rana managed to amass 383 runs at a good strike rate of 122.
Talking about his overall IPL career, Nitish Rana has aggregated 1820 runs in 77 IPL matches. He has a good average of 28.43 and smacks at a strike rate of 132.45.
Chris Lynn:
Australian explosive opener Chris Lynn had a frustrating time in the last two IPL seasons with Mumbai Indians (MI) as he only managed to play one single match. Lynn played his solitary match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2021 in which he scored a good 49 runs, however, he was dropped from the playing11 after that game.
For the rest of the season, Lynn warmed the benches, which must be frustrating, especially when you are someone who can bring tsunami with willow in hand.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might trackback to their previous days and consider the services of Chris Lynn for the IPL 2022.
Lynn was associated with the Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2019. He had a great time with the franchise where he scored the bulk of the runs opening the innings alongside Sunil Narine.
The Aussie mustered 1329 runs in 42 IPL matches during his KKR days. Moreover, the cricketer tonked the opposition with a blistering strike rate of 140.63.
It is important to note that KKR has released Shubman Gill from the squad and will require a good player to fill his place in the team. Chris Lynn is someone who really enjoys opening the innings and will be a suitable guy to replace Gill.
Avesh Khan:
Young pacer Avesh Khan came into the limelight in the recently concluded season of the IPL. The pacer in no time with his bowling brilliance became India’s find in the IPL 2021.
Khan not only bowled in the powerplays but also slayed the toughest overs in the entire league. The cricket fraternity from all around the globe heaped praises on the pacer’s abilities.
Playing for Delhi Capitals (DC), Avesh Khan scalped 24 wickets in the IPL 2021. He remained economical (7.37) throughout the season and grabbed the much-needed attention.
Surely, he will be one of the pacers who will be purchased at a good price during the upcoming IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
ALSO READ: BCCI awaits Rohit Sharma to regain fitness, ODI squad announcement might get delayed